Hi, my name is Alessa Lima, I go to Worcester Technical High School and I can't express enough how much it means to me that I got an opportunity to be a part of a school that teaches technical skills. My area of study is veterinary assisting and I love it. My school has a low-cost clinic called Tufts@Tech that we get to volunteer in as juniors. Being in the veterinary assisting program has made me evolve into a better person. It expanded my empathy toward others and gave me the chance to experience a beautiful level of deep understanding when someone is worried about their pet or going through the loss of a pet. I can feel their pain and I can be there for the clients, celebrate with them when things are going well but also cry with them when things go wrong. Being in the program has also done tremendous work for my communication skills. At Tufts@Tech, communication is key with teachers, vet students, clinic staff, peers, and clients. I'm so glad my peers and I can work together to help Tufts@Tech which gives so much to the community and helps so many pets and owners. I will carry my experiences and newfound knowledge with me to college and future jobs. This scholarship would help me go to college and pursue my bachelor's or my Master's degree. It would help aid me from high amounts of debt. I come from a low-income family with only a very hard-working single mother and college tuition is pretty expensive. But even with the high price tag I want to pursue higher education to get a career that I love and to help people in any way that I can.